Joey Essex can’t stop smiling as he’s seen for the first time since snogging Maura Higgins
FORMER Towie star Joey Essex has been spotted with a big smile on his face after being spotted for the first time since his snog with Maura Higgins.
Joey and Love Island’s Maura are said to be excitedly planning their first date after coupling up on Monday night.
The pair were pictured snogging after a booze-fuelled awards do.
Now, Joey, 32, has put his skates back on and got back to Dancing On Ice training while beaming from ear to ear.
The Essex native was spotted donning a blue baseball cap and blue and yellow puffa jacket as he played around on his skates.
Smiling at the camera, the star looked delighted as he showed off his moves and hugged one of his trainers during practice.
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The reality star was also sighted leaving practice and wheeling a suitcase after demonstrating what he’d learnt so far.
Joey and Maura spent what was described as a chaste night together, chatting into the early hours of the morning.
Maura, known as a man-eater in the Mallorcan villa, made the first move on the 32-year-old TV star.
Last night, a friend said: “They’ve met before on the celebrity party circuit but Monday was the first time things have turned flirty.
“They were flirting like crazy and all over each other. Eventually, Maura just grabbed Joey’s tie and pulled him in for a kiss, right in front of everyone. He loved it.”
The pair have swapped numbers, and have spent the past 12 hours planning their first official date.
Joey, who has dated a string of models, hopes to charm Maura, 31, over dinner.
The insider added: “They did leave together in a taxi but Joey’s a gentleman so there was no funny business that night.
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“He had to be at Dancing On Ice training at 7.30am the next day anyway, so all they did was kiss and chat.
“There is a connection there — a real meeting of minds.
“They both fancy the pants off each other — it could be the start of something pretty special.
“Maura’s really keen for a date with Joey and they’ve been messaging nonstop since.”